Gaming System and Method of Gaming

ABSTRACT

A gaming system, comprising a game controller arranged to control play of a game, and a display arranged to display representations of play of the game, the game controller being arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of the game, and control the display to display at least a plurality of the selected symbols in symbol positions in one or both of rows and columns, the game controller being arranged to select at least one additional symbol and to control the display to display the at least one additional symbol associated with a strip associated with one of the symbol positions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2008900268, having a filing date of Jan. 21, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises a game controller arranged to randomly select and cause the display of several symbols from a predetermined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome, such as a game win, based on the displayed symbols. Such gaming systems may commonly be implemented as a stepping machine provided with reels with each reel carrying several symbols of the set, or a video machine wherein selected symbols are displayed on virtual reels on a graphical display device. Win outcomes can occur based on symbols appearing in one or more horizontal lines, diagonal lines, or any other predetermined way. Typically five reels across are provided on the display (although less or more may be provided). Each reel or virtual reel display is three symbols high in the display window for the reel (although, again, this may be more or less symbols high).

In many countries, the regulations prescribe that the number of available symbols to select from be a fixed number. With stepper reels this is implemented by having a fixed number of symbols on each reel. With video implementation or other “virtual” reel implementations this is implemented in a similar manner, by allowing only a predetermined number of symbols for each virtual reel. A problem with requiring a fixed number of reel “stops”, whether virtual or stepper, is that this limits the number of combinations that a typical reel game can provide for entertainment of the player.

It is known to provide “feature” games to provide more opportunities for prize winning and increase entertainment. Whilst such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, the need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a gaming system, comprising a game controller arranged to control play of a game, and a display arranged to display representations of play of the game, the game controller being arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of the game, and control the display to display at least a plurality of the selected symbols in symbol positions in one or both of rows and columns, the game controller being arranged to select at least one additional symbol and to control the display to display the at least one additional symbol associated with a strip associated with one of the symbol positions.

In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine a game outcome based on the symbol selection. In at least an embodiment, providing the additional symbol enables more combinations of symbols to be achieved for the determination of game outcomes.

In an embodiment, the game controller determines an outcome based on the selected symbols. It also determines a game outcome based on the selected symbols and the additional symbol.

In an embodiment, the game controller may select a plurality of additional symbols.

In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to control the display to represent the additional symbol as mounted on or being a strip of substrate represented as being associated with the symbol position.

In an embodiment, this strip may appear as if it has been peeled away from the symbol position.

In an embodiment, the game controller may control the display to represent the strip peeling away from the symbol position.

In an embodiment, a player interface is provided to enable a player to actuate peeling of the strip away from the symbol position. Providing a “peelable” strip, as in this embodiment, has the advantage of creating a graphically interesting game operation in order to increase player entertainment and interest.

In an embodiment, the additional symbol is allocated a symbol position within the one or both of rows and columns of the selected symbols, whereby to enable the game controller to determine a game outcome based on symbol combinations including the additional symbol.

In an embodiment, the symbol position allocated to the additional symbol is the symbol position with which the strip is associated.

In an embodiment, the symbol position allocated to the additional symbol is a symbol position adjacent to the symbol position with which the strip is associated. In an embodiment, the additional symbol is allocated a symbol position from which it appears that the strip has been removed.

In an embodiment, the additional symbol appears on the underside of the strip.

In an embodiment, the additional symbol is a mirror image of a symbol.

In an embodiment, a plurality of additional symbols are associated with the strip.

In an embodiment, the one or both of rows and columns of symbol positions is represented as a reel bearing the symbols, or is a reel bearing the symbols. In an embodiment, the strip is represented as a strip associated with or attached to a reel and in an embodiment, is represented as having been peeled away from the reel.

In an embodiment, the game may be played utilizing player credit.

In an embodiment, a player interface is provided enabling player credit to be allocated. An opportunity to obtain additional symbols may be bought by the player, based on credit input by the player.

In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of gaming, comprising the steps of selecting a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of a game, controlling a display to display at least a plurality of the selected symbols in symbol positions in one or both of rows and columns, selecting at least one additional symbol and controlling the display to display the at least one additional symbol associated with a strip associated with one of the symbol positions.

In accordance with a third aspect, the present invention provides a computer program comprising instructions for controlling a computer to implement a gaming system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer readable medium providing a computer program in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a data signal comprising a computer program in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a game controller for a gaming system, arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of a game and control a display to display at least a plurality of the selected symbols at symbol positions in one or both of rows and columns, the game controller being arranged to select at least one additional symbol and to control the display to display the at least one additional symbol associated with a strip associated with one of the symbol positions.

In accordance with a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a computer program, comprising instructions for controlling a computer to implement a game controller in accordance with the sixth aspect of the invention.

In accordance with an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a computer readable medium, providing a computer program in accordance with the seventh aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a ninth aspect, the present invention provides a data signal, comprising a computer program in accordance with the seventh aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of core components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented in the form of a stand alone gaming machine;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of operative components of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of components of a memory of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a gaming system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented over a network;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of functional components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are representations of example displays generated by a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system arranged to implement a game in which a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols is selected and displayed in symbol positions in one or both of rows and columns. FIG. 7 shows an example display 400 with symbols 401 displayed in a plurality of rows and columns. In this embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to select at least one additional symbol and control a display to display the at least one additional symbol associated with a strip associated with one of the symbol positions. In the example of FIG. 7, additional symbols 402, 403 are shown associated with strip 404. The provision of additional symbols advantageously enables the gaming system to offer more combinations of symbols to the player, more chances of winning a prize, potentially higher value prizes and player interaction.

The gaming system can take a number of different forms.

In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine.

In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a “thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player.

However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, “thick client” mode or “thin client” mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 and a game controller 60 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game.

Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54, a game play mechanism 56 that enables a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place bets), and one or more speakers 58.

The game controller 60 is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor 62 that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server.

A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which is displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.

A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10.

The display 14 shown in FIG. 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of FIG. 2.

The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is in data communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103.

The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation.

In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere.

It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101.

FIG. 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 in FIG. 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in FIG. 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged.

One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. The displays 204 may, for example, be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material.

In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to monitor and carry out the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.

In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devices connected to the network.

The gaming network 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random number generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals.

Referring to FIG. 6, the functionality of embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by a game controller having the functional components illustrated. In this embodiment, the functional components are implemented utilizing a processor and memory (such as processor 102 and memory 103 in FIG. 3, or processor 62 and memory 64 in FIG. 1, for the game server 205 in FIG. 5), and associated programming. Other implementations are envisaged. For example the functional blocks of FIG. 6 may be implemented in hardware as separate units, or a combination of hardware and software as separate units. Any practical implementation of these functional units may be employed.

In this embodiment, the game controller 300 is arranged to control the gaming system to play a game which comprises selection of a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols. The game is implemented as a “reel” game. The game controller 300 comprises a display controller 301 which is arranged to control the display (reference numerals 54, 14, 106, 204 of previous figures) to emulate a representation of reels bearing symbols. Alternatively, the display may comprise a stepper motor and physical reels bearing the symbols.

The game controller 300 includes a symbol selector 302 which is arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols available in a symbol store 303. An outcome generator 304 is arranged to determine an outcome of the game. In this embodiment, the outcome of the game depends on the selected symbols and the rules of the game and may include a win outcome, loss outcome, trigger outcome, a feature outcome or other outcome. Outcomes may be determined on the basis of symbols appearing in one or more horizontal lines, diagonal lines, or any other pre-determined combinations.

FIG. 7 shows a representation of a gaming machine display 400 which, in the example shown, has five reels (numbered “1” to “5”). The display 400 shows three reel positions high when the reels have stopped / the symbols have been selected. The reel positions are designated Bottom (“B”), Centre (“C”) and Top (“T”). This is a typical reel-type display for a gaming machine. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the number of reel positions may be more or less than in display 400. Also the number of reels may be more or less than in the display 400.

The reels may be virtual reels, generated as a video display from the selected symbols, actual mechanical reels carrying the symbols and driven by a stepper motor, or any other reel arrangement or emulation. In the case of actual physical reels, the game controller randomly selects the symbols and drives the stepper motor to display the selected symbols appearing in the display 400.

The game outcome is determined by the outcome generator 304 based on combinations of symbols selected and appearing in the display 400. The symbols may be any symbols. As will be appreciated, many different types of symbols are used in gaming systems. A set of symbols may include standard symbols and function symbols. For example, standard symbols may resemble fruit such as apples, pears and bananas with a win outcome being determined when a predetermined number of the same fruit appear on a display in the same line, scattered, and so on. The function associated with a function symbol may be a “wild” function wherein display of the function symbol is treated during consideration of the game outcome as any of the standard symbols. Other functions may include scatter functions, multiplier functions, repeat win functions, jackpot functions and feature commencement functions.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the symbols are representations of cards, by which a poker-type card game may be played. In this example, a winning poker hand appearing on the C line may cause the outcome generator to determine that a Win has occurred and that an appropriate prize may be awarded. For example, five of a kind (e.g. 5 jacks “J”. 5 tens “10” etc) on the C line may result in a win. A straight or a straight flush or any other poker combination on the C line may also result in a win.

In addition to card symbols, the symbols also include a Wild “W” symbol which is a function symbol which, when it occurs on the C line may be considered by the outcome generator 304 to operate as any symbol which may assist in a win. Symbols may also include jackpot symbols. For example, five Aces “A” symbols appearing on the centre line C may result in a jackpot win.

The diagram shown in FIG. 7 is one way of representing the symbols only. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention the symbols may be represented in different ways, using any type of fancy artwork, or in any appropriate manner.

Operation of an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

Referring to FIG. 7, the symbol selector 302 selects a plurality of symbols from symbols available from the symbol store 303. The game controller 300 operates via a display controller 301 to emulate spinning of reels in the display 400. Selected symbols 401 are “spun up” on the reels. This is how a conventional video animated reel spinning game operates. A game outcome is determined by the outcome generator 304 depending upon line or scatter combinations (or other features, such as bonus awards) of the symbols appearing in the display 400.

With this basic reel game, however, there are limited number of symbol combinations available. In this embodiment of the invention, in order to provide further opportunities for awarding of prizes to players, the game controller 300 is also arranged to select additional symbols which can be incorporated with the selected symbols to provide additional opportunities for combinations which may lead to prize winning results.

Referring to FIG. 7, the game controller 300 selects additional symbols, in this case in the form of two jacks “J” 402, 403. The additional symbol selection is represented graphically to the player on the display 400 in an interesting way, associated with a “strip” 404. The strip 404 appears as though it has been peeled away from the reel. The underside of the strip shows one additional symbol “J” 403 in mirror image form. An additional symbol “J” 402 appears on a revealed symbol position 405 on the reel.

Calculating combinations available, the outcome generator 304 may consider the symbol “J” 403 to be present on the centre line C of the mirror display 400. The symbol “J” 402 is considered to be present on the bottom line B of the reel display 400. A number of further potential combinations are therefore provided for determination of an outcome of the game. As well as the King “K” symbol on the centre row the symbol “J” 403 is considered to be on the centre row C. Further, a new symbol “J” 402 is considered to be on the bottom row.

Prior to the strip 404 being peeled, a selected symbol is present on the upper side (not shown) of the strip 404 in position B3 in the reel display 400. This symbol may be the same or different from the “J” symbols revealed by peel of the strip 404.

In this embodiment, it is available to the game controller 300 to make combinations from all the symbols that have been selected, including the originally selected symbols and the additional symbols. It may do this by first determining combinations and outcomes for the originally selected symbols, then doing the same including the additional symbols in the combinations. The outcome determinations may be made sequentially or simultaneously.

In this embodiment, the chance to obtain a “peel” (i.e. the chance for a player to obtain one or more additional symbols) may be “bought” by the player entering extra credit or may be awarded as an outcome of the selection of the original symbol set.

For example, a scatter of four Queens “Q” symbols as shown in FIG. 7 may result in the awarding of a peel to the player. Alternatively two wild cards “W” symbols appearing in the display 400 may be a trigger leading to a peel, or any other trigger combination determined by the game designer.

A player may “buy” a peel by entering additional credit. This rewards a player who is willing to place higher bets, by giving them additional symbols and therefore more chances to win prizes.

The ability to buy additional symbols can address a perceived problem with the winning of the jackpots. A jackpot game may apply to a stand alone game machine or may be a “linked jackpot” to which a number of machines contribute. A jackpot prize is only won when a particular combination of indicia is achieved on one of the machines (or the machine if it is a stand alone machine) e.g. five Aces in a line.

A problem with such jackpots is that the winning of a jackpot is generally independent of the number of credit units wagered by a player. Players who are willing to bet more credits to win a jackpot e.g. more credits per line, have as much chance as a player who is only willing to bet a small number of credits per line, of winning the jackpot. This is perceived as being unfair to players who are willing to gamble higher (in order to win the jackpot) than other players.

In this embodiment of the credits, a player who bets more credits may receive one or more additional symbols in the form of “peels” giving him additional chances to obtain jackpot symbols, for example, and therefore a better chance of winning the jackpot.

The present invention is not limited to providing additional symbols and giving additional chances to win jackpots, however. Because additional symbols are provided, additional combinations for winning any prize, bonus, feature etc may be achieved.

A peel may be awarded to a player on the basis of other criteria than the amount of player credit. Other triggers may include a measurement of time that the player has been playing the machine, a particular amount of waiting activity on the machine, it may be based on player tracking information or may be a random event or any other trigger.

Another example display is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment there are two strips available for peel, 404A and 404B. For strip 404A, additional symbols include those revealed when the strip is peeled, symbols 402A (being “10” “K” and “J”symbols). Also the symbols 403A on the underside of the strip (a “10”, “K” and “J” also). There are therefore three additional symbols in rows T, C and B (“10”, “K” and “J” respectively. The symbols 403A on the underside of the strip 404A may all be considered as taking the top row T position (i.e. “10”, “K” and “J” in the top row). This provides for several more potential combinations in the top row T.

In reel 2, another strip is available for peel, strip 404B. This strip 404B reveals two additional symbols 403B. A queen “Q” is revealed on the centre row C, and a Jack “J” (on the underside of the strip 404B) can be considered to take a place in the top row T with the Ace symbol “A” already present.

In the above embodiment, additional symbols may be present on the underside of the strip and also revealed on the reel strip once the strip has been removed. As discussed above, account may also be taken, when determining outcomes, of the symbols that originally appeared on top of the strip (i.e. the originally selected symbols). It will be appreciated that account need not be taken of the originally appearing symbols. This will be up to the game designer who sets the rules. In the above embodiment, the strip is associated with a symbol position. For example, the strip 404B is associated with the reel position 2C. This is the reel position from which it is peeled away. Similarly with strip 404A, which is associated with reel position T3 (the reel position to which the strip is still connected). In other embodiments, the reel strip may be associated with other positions, particularly where there is more than one additional symbol on the underside of the strip. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 8 and strip 404A, all three additional symbols 403A on the underside of the strip 404A are considered to be in the top row T. In an alternative embodiment, each symbol may be considered to be in a different row. For example, a “10” may be in the top row, “K” may be considered to be in the middle row, and “J” may be considered in the bottom row. Variations to the positions taken by the additional symbols may be determined by the game designer and included in the rules of the game.

In the above embodiment, the strips are peeled from a single reel and the additional symbols are considered to be added to the reel. In another embodiment, the reel strip may peel across a row and the additional symbols may be considered to be present in adjacent row positions.

In the above embodiment, the strip is represented in an interesting graphic which appears to have been peeled away from a reel. The invention is not limited to this representation. The strip may be represented as any type of substrate mounting symbols or revealing symbols on the reel strip underneath. It need not necessarily be shown connected to the reel but may be removed from it on a different part of the display. An indicator may indicate which symbol positions the symbols are associated with and which symbol positions the strip is associated with.

In an embodiment, the player interface may enable player manipulation or actuation to allow the player to activate the peel. This could be done in any number of ways, for example by touch screen, or a button on the gaming machine.

The player may have the choice as to whether or not to avail themselves of the additional symbols, or the gaming system may make the choice for the player.

A game playing process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be summarized with reference to FIG. 9.

At step 700 the game is played by selection of symbols from a symbol store 303 by the symbol selector 302. At step 701 a determination is made as to whether or not any additional symbols are available to be allocated to the player (“peel available?”). As discussed above, additional symbols may be made available depending on any number of predetermined criteria, including whether the player has entered credits to “buy” additional symbols. If a peel is available, at step 703 the game controller 300 selects additional symbols. If no peel is available, the game outcome is determined at step 703 on the basis of only the originally selected symbols. Where additional symbols have been selected, the next step is to determine the game outcome based on the originally selected symbols (step 700) and the additional symbols (step 702).

In the above described embodiments, the display emulates a plurality of reels. In an alternative embodiment, the original symbol selection may be implemented as actual reels driven by a stepper motor. The additional symbols may be added by video graphics overlaying the display of the actual stepper reels. In another embodiment, the display may not emulate reels but merely show the selected symbols in a non-reel format e.g. presenting them as emulated playing cards, or other graphical representations of a series of rows and columns.

In the above embodiments, a single strip is attached to or associated with a symbol position. In another embodiment , more than one strip may be associated with a single position. In this embodiment, the graphical representation may show two or more strips being peeled away from an associated symbol position.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 

1. A gaming system, comprising a game controller arranged to control play of a game, and a display arranged to display representations of play of the game, the game controller being arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of the game, and control the display to display at least a plurality of the selected symbols in symbol positions in one or both of rows and columns, the game controller being arranged to select at least one additional symbol and to control the display to display the at least one additional symbol associated with a strip associated with one of the symbol positions.
 2. A gaming system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the game controller is arranged to determine an outcome based on the selected symbols and the additional symbol.
 3. A gaming system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the game controller is arranged to select a plurality of additional symbols.
 4. A gaming system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the game controller is arranged to control the display to represent the additional symbols as mounted on or being a strip of substrate represented as being associated with the symbol position.
 5. A gaming system in accordance with claim 4, the game controller being arranged to control the display to represent the strip to appear as if it has been peeled away from the symbol position.
 6. A gaming system in accordance with claim 4, further comprising a player interface arranged to enable a player to actuate peeling of the strip away from the symbol position.
 7. A gaming system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the game controller is arranged to allocate to the additional symbol a symbol position within the one or both of rows and columns of the selected symbols, whereby to enable the game controller to determine a game outcome based on symbol combinations including the additional symbol.
 8. A gaming system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the symbol position allocated to the additional symbol is the symbol position with which the strip is associated.
 9. A gaming system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the symbol position allocated to the additional symbol is a symbol position adjacent to the symbol position with which the strip is associated.
 10. A gaming system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the additional symbol is allocated a symbol position from which it appears that the strip has been removed.
 11. A gaming system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the game controller is arranged to control the display such that the additional symbol appears on the underside of the strip.
 12. A gaming system in accordance with claim 1, wherein a plurality of additional symbols are associated with the strip.
 13. A gaming system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the game controller is arranged to control the display such that the one or both of rows and columns of symbol positions is represented as a reel bearing the symbols, or is a reel bearing the symbols.
 14. A gaming system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the game controller is arranged to control the display to represent the strip as a strip associated with or attached to a reel.
 15. A gaming system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the game controller is arranged to control the display to represent the strip as having been peeled away from the reel.
 16. A gaming system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a player interface enabling player credit to be allocated, and wherein the game controller is arranged to provide an opportunity to obtain additional symbols as a result of player credit input by the player.
 17. A method of gaming, comprising the steps of selecting a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of a game, controlling a display to display at least a plurality of the selected symbols in symbol positions in one or both of rows and columns, selecting at least one additional symbol and controlling the display to display the at least one additional symbol associated with a strip associated with one of the symbol positions.
 18. A method in accordance with claim 17, comprising the further step of determining a game outcome based on the selected symbols and the additional symbol.
 19. A method in accordance with claim 17, comprising the step of selecting a plurality of additional symbols.
 20. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein the step of controlling the display comprises controlling the display to represent the additional symbol as mounted on or being a strip of substrate associated with the symbol position.
 21. A method in accordance with claim 20, wherein the step of controlling the display comprises controlling the display to represent the strip appearing as if it has been peeled away from the symbol position.
 22. A method in accordance with claim 20, comprising the further step of enabling a player to actuate peeling of the strip from the symbol position.
 23. A method in accordance with claim 17, comprising the step of allocating a symbol position within one or both of rows and columns of the selected symbols, whereby to enable determination of a game outcome based on symbol combinations including the additional symbol.
 24. A method in accordance with claim 23, wherein the symbol position allocated to the additional symbol is the symbol position with which the strip is associated.
 25. A method in accordance with claim 23, wherein the symbol position allocated to the additional symbol is a symbol position adjacent to the symbol position with which the strip is associated.
 26. A method in accordance with claim 23, wherein the step of allocating the symbol position comprises the step of allocating a symbol position from which it appears that the strip is being removed.
 27. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein the step of controlling the display comprises the step of controlling the display so that the additional symbol appears on the underside of the strip.
 28. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein the step of controlling the display comprises the step of controlling the display to represent the one or both of rows and columns of symbol positions as reels bearing the symbols, or the display is a reel bearing the symbols, and the strip is represented as a strip associated with or attached to a reel.
 29. A method in accordance with claim 17, comprising the further step of enabling player credit to be allocated to enable the opportunity of obtaining additional symbols.
 30. A computer program comprising instructions for controlling a computer to implement a gaming system in accordance with claim
 1. 31. A computer readable medium providing a computer program in accordance with claim
 30. 32. A data signal comprising a computer program in accordance with claim
 30. 33. A game controller for a gaming system, arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of a game and control a display to display at least a plurality of the selected symbols at symbol positions in one or both of rows and columns, the game controller being arranged to select at least one additional symbol and to control the display to display the at least one additional symbol associated with the strip associated with one of the symbol positions.
 34. A game controller in accordance with claim 33, arranged to determine an outcome based on the selected symbols and the additional symbol.
 35. A game controller in accordance with claim 33, arranged to select a plurality of additional symbols.
 36. A game controller in accordance with claim 33, arranged to control the display to represent the additional symbols as mounted on or being a strip of substrate represented as being associated with the symbol position.
 37. A game controller in accordance with claim 36, arranged to control the display to represent the strip to appear as if it has been peeled away from the symbol position.
 38. A game controller in accordance with claim 36, arranged to control a player interface to enable a player to actuate peeling of the strip away from the symbol position.
 39. A game controller in accordance with claim 33, arranged to allocate the additional symbol, a symbol position within the one or both of rows and columns of the selected symbols, whereby to enable determination of a game outcome based on symbol combinations including the additional symbol.
 40. A game controller in accordance with claim 39, wherein the symbol position allocated to the additional symbol is the symbol position with which the strip is associated.
 41. A game controller in accordance with claim 39, wherein the symbol position allocated to the additional symbol is a symbol position adjacent to the symbol position with which the strip is associated.
 42. A game controller in accordance with claim 39, wherein the additional symbol is allocated a symbol position from which it appears the strip has been removed.
 43. A game controller in accordance with claim 33, arranged to control the display such that the additional symbol appears on the underside of the strip.
 44. A game controller in accordance with claim 33, wherein a plurality of additional symbols are associated with the strip.
 45. A game controller in accordance with claim 33, arranged to control the display such that the one or both of rows and columns of symbol positions is represented as a reel bearing the symbols, or is a reel bearing the symbols.
 46. A game controller in accordance with claim 45, arranged to control the display to represent the strip associated with or attached to a reel.
 47. A game controller in accordance with claim 46, arranged to control the display to represent the strip as having been peeled away from the reel.
 48. A game controller in accordance with claim 33, arranged to control a player interface enabling player credit to be allocated to provide an opportunity to obtain additional symbols as a result of player credit input by the player.
 49. A computer program, comprising instructions for controlling a computer to implement a game controller in accordance with claim
 33. 50. A computer readable medium providing a computer program in accordance with claim
 49. 51. A data signal comprising a computer program in accordance with claim
 49. 